Drill Pipe Pressure Control via Overflow Conduit and Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems face challenges in maintaining consistent mud pressure in the drill pipe, leading to potential motor failure and damage, due to human error and inherent pump inertia, which can result in unintended release of hydrocarbons and disruptive pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A control system with an overflow conduit and pressure regulator, connected to both the drill pipe and mud reservoir, automatically adjusts fluid flow to maintain constant pressure, using an electronic control unit and chokes to respond to pressure deviations, eliminating the need for manual pump speed adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pump speed adjustment is used to maintain mud pressure, then pressure control is possible, but human error and reaction delay cause pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where a pressure sensor continuously monitors mud pressure in the drill pipe and transmits signals to an electronic control unit. The ECU automatically adjusts pump speed based on this feedback, eliminating human reaction delay and maintaining stable pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pump speed adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The electronic control unit substitutes human operators, using electrical signals to control pump speed based on real-time pressure sensor data, thereby eliminating human error and reaction time delays.
2Stress or pressure
If pump speed is reduced to lower drill pipe pressure, then pressure safety is improved, but bottom hole pressure may drop causing hydrocarbon release
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operating parameters (speed) based on real-time pressure conditions. The electronic control unit modifies pump speed to maintain drill pipe pressure within safe limits while simultaneously ensuring bottom hole pressure remains sufficient to prevent hydrocarbon release, optimizing both pressure control objectives through coordinated parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to pressure changes in both the drill pipe and bottom hole. The electronic control unit receives pressure signals and automatically adjusts pump speed to maintain the delicate balance between preventing drill pipe overpressure and maintaining adequate bottom hole pressure to avoid hydrocarbon release.
3Stress or pressure
If pop-off valve is used to relieve excess pressure, then pressure safety is ensured, but drilling process is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure control by continuously monitoring drill pipe pressure and proactively adjusting pump speed before pressure reaches dangerous levels. This preventive approach eliminates the need for emergency pressure relief through pop-off valves, maintaining drilling continuity while ensuring pressure safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback-controlled pump speed adjustment system continuously monitors pressure conditions and automatically modulates pump output to prevent pressure buildup. This eliminates sudden pressure spikes that would trigger pop-off valve actuation, thereby maintaining uninterrupted drilling operations while ensuring pressure remains within safe limits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system maintains consistent mud pressure in the drill pipe and annular region, reducing the risk of motor failure and hydrocarbon release, while allowing for precise control of bottom hole pressure without human intervention, thus enhancing drilling efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an overflow conduit (42) which is connected to the main conduit (26) by a pressure regulator (44) by means of which the pressure of fluid in the main conduit (26) can be maintained at or around a predetermined pressure value
Implementation Method 2
the mud is typically pumped into the drill pipe using one or more positive displacement pumps which are connected to the drill pipe via a pipe and manifold known as the standpipe manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a borehole during drilling of the borehole, the apparatus including an inlet suitable for connection to a pump, a main outlet suitable for connection to a drill pipe, and an overflow outlet suitable for connection to a fluid reservoir, the inlet being connected to the main outlet by a main flow conduit, and the overflow outlet being connected to the main flow conduit by means of an overflow conduit, wherein the overflow conduit is provided with a pressure regulator by means of which the pressure of fluid in the main flow conduit may be maintained at or around a predetermined pressure value.